Kathmandu, Feb. 15 -- Nepal's grand old party, the Nepali Congress, appears to be gearing up for its 15th general convention, although the party has yet to announce a date.

The general convention, which adopts new policies and programmes, as well as elect new leadership, is due to be held by the end of this year. But it could be delayed by another year, even as party leaders engage in campaigning, camp-hopping and churning out strategies in preparation, according to party insiders.

Amid shifting dynamics in the Congress, some long-time allies of party president Deuba met him on Friday and asked him to hold the team together and not sideline those who have been supporting him for decades, said Gopalman Shrestha, a central committee membe...